Malrod are specialists when it comes to asbestos removal. This article will give detailed information for you to read, if you suspect your property has been infected with asbestos. our contact information if you would like to get in touch. It is important that Asbestos removal must be done by professionals only.

Where do you find asbestos cement?

Asbestos cement is mainly a mixture of chrysolite (white asbestos) and cement moulded and compressed to produce a range of asbestos cement products. You can find asbestos cement in many places inside and outside buildings such as:

Asbestos Cement roofs

These are mainly made up of large sheets of corrugated asbestos cement, they are often found on industrial farmyard buildings, but can also be found as roofs on garages and sheds. They are often covered in moss and other growths as they’ve been there for many years.

Asbestos wall cladding

This has a shape and structure similar to roof sheeting, and is often on walls/as walls of buildings with asbestos cement roofs.

Asbestos downpipes and gutters

These are often attached at the end of cement roofs in warehouse type buildings.

Asbestos cement flues

These may be found in boiler systems (including domestic) air conditioning and ventilation systems.

What does it look like?

Asbestos cement is just ordinary cement mixed with asbestos, in some cases asbestos can make up over a third of cement. It is a hard grey material, which was moulded and compressed to produce some of the materials listed above.

How dangerous is this

Work on any type of asbestos can be dangerous. Work with asbestos cement can be carried out by non licensed who are appropriately trained. This work would generally not be needed to be notified.

If the work is likely to cause significant break up and deterioration of the material e.g ‘dropping an asbestos cement roof then notification would be required.

There may be very exceptional circumstances where the asbestos cement has been so badly damaged that there is significant risk of exposure to asbestos fibres. In these rare causes a risk assessment will help to determine if a licensed contractor is required.

If there is uncertainty to whether a material is asbestos cement then a competent asbestos analyst. Will be able to carry out a water absorption test. This will determine if the material is asbestos cement or if it is another asbestos material that may require a licensed contractor to carry out the work.

Lagging and insulation

Mostly found in or on heating systems such as around boilers or calorifiers and around pipework.

What does this look like?

This type of asbestos has many different appearances but is mostly a fibrous material which flakes and powders easily. When applied to pipes it is often covered in protective coating (or painted) which can any colour, and may make it more difficult to identify.

How dangerous is this?

This is one of the most dangerous materials containing asbestos. You are more at risk from breathing in asbestos fibres because disturbance of the lagging or insulation releases fibres very easily into the air that you breathe.

Warning!

Do not attempt to work on this material unless you are a HSE licensed contractor.

Believe that your property contains Asbestos, then contact Malrod today, we operate throughout the North-West, in particular bolton and its surrounding areas. Our telephone number is 01942 811591. Alternatively you can email us on admin@malrod.co.uk where one of our technical team will respond to any questions you may have.